Opinion: Move over Ferguson – £40m Premier League striker could make West Ham unstoppable

West Ham United do not have an obligation or an option to sign Evan Ferguson permanently, as has been widely reported.

However, Graham Potter’s top priority for the summer is said to be securing Ferguson on a long-term deal.

So far, Ferguson has only made three substitute appearances for the Hammers, making it too early to determine if he can thrive at the highest level.

That said, should Potter set his sights higher when considering strikers for West Ham this summer? In my view, absolutely.

There is one particular player who could elevate West Ham to an entirely new level.

Instead of Ferguson, the club should turn their attention to Liam Delap, who would make the team far more dangerous.

According to TEAMtalk, Delap will be available for around £40 million this summer.

West Ham reportedly made a late attempt to sign him on deadline day earlier this month, but he ultimately remained at Portman Road.

In my opinion, the Hammers should be doing everything possible to bring him in.

The 22-year-old is a physically dominant striker with a clinical finishing ability.

This season, he has registered ten goals and two assists in 26 Premier League appearances for a struggling Ipswich Town side (Transfermarkt).

A former Manchester City player, Delap has the strength to hold up the ball, bringing teammates into play, while also possessing the speed and movement to stretch defenses by running in behind.

If West Ham’s owners are willing to invest £40 million in him, he could lead the line for a decade.

It is hard to imagine a transfer that makes more sense.

However, Manchester City could complicate matters for West Ham.

Delap left the Etihad to join Ipswich last summer, but if Pep Guardiola decides to recruit another striker, City may well look to bring him back.

According to the Sunday Mirror (print edition, February 2, page 69), City have a buy-back clause for Delap set at just £29.5 million.

If Guardiola wants him back, he will likely get him.

That said, with Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush already in their ranks, a return to the Etihad might not be the most logical move for Delap.

Regardless of whether Ferguson is signed permanently, West Ham should leave nothing to chance in their pursuit of Liam Delap.

Securing his signature should be an absolute priority this summer.